Birmingham in no rush to sell Larsson

Birmingham have told in-demand winger Sebastian Larsson they will only offload him "when it is right for the club".

Larsson is out of contract in the summer and is a target for Newcastle and Blackburn. The Sweden international, who has recovered from a hip problem, has failed to reach agreement with Blues over a new contract, but City manager Alex McLeish will only allow him to leave in January if it suits the midlands club.

McLeish told Press Association Sport: "There's nothing happening at the moment with Seb. Everything has got to be right for the club as well. Let's not forget, first and foremost, we have to do what's right for the club and Seb is still here."

He added: "He's still here and fighting for a place.

"There has been a bit of interest, no doubt about it, but he's still a Birmingham player."

Birmingham agreed a fee of around £1million with Newcastle for the former Arsenal player but he could not agree personal terms.

But Blackburn's offer of around £500,000 has been rejected.

Larsson has resumed training and is in contention for Saturday's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.